Plans in place to open Cusack Park as COVID-19 testing facility

Cusack Park, home of the GAA in the Banner County, is being assessed as a potential testing centre, The Clare Echo has learned. Two weeks ago, Clare GAA offered the use of the County Grounds to the HSE as a testing area for Coronavirus.

Last week, additional testing facilities were added in both Limerick and Tipperary. At the time a HSE spokesperson stated there were no present plans to expand on Clare’s testing facilities with the Ennis Driving Test Centre operational as a swabbing centre from 8am to 8pm seven days a week.

However, at the time of Clare GAA’s offer, the HSE did outline that it would monitor the situation and use Cusack Park if needed.

Although a spokesperson could not confirm that plans were in place, The Clare Echo understands that Cusack Park will be opened as a testing centre in the coming days if it is able to be equipped and staffed properly.

Croke Park, Pairc Uí Chaoimh, LIT Gaelic Grounds and McHale Park in Castlebar are all being used as testing centres across the country.

Páraic McMahon is Head of News & Sport with The Clare Echo. The Newmarket-on-Fergus native also writes for national papers including The Irish Examiner, The Irish Independent and The Irish Times along with doing work for RTÉ, Today FM, TheJournal.ie and The42.ie. A graduate of Mary Immaculate College, Páraic was previously employed by The Clare Herald and Clare FM.
If you have a story, tip or some feedback for him then send an email to - paraic@clareecho.ie